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Abdul Sattar Edhi expresses solidarity with Shia Muslims

by admin

Renowned social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi visited a camp of Shia volunteers (razakar) in Karachi and expressed solidarity with Shia Muslims. In particular, he condemned the current wave of anti-Shia violence in Pakistan and urged the government and army to arrest terrorists involved in target killing of Shias in various parts of Pakistan.

Abdus Sattar Edhi is is highly respected for his selfless service to the victims of natural and man-made disasters. In his biography, he mentions his opinion of the Shia (he himself is a Sunni belonging to the Memon community), shows his love for humanity and support for the persecuted communities.

Reference ‘Edhi: A Mirror to the Blind’ as narrated to Tehmina Durrani, pp. 35-36.

The tragedy of Karbala was an injustice underplayed by Muslim rulers for nearly seven hundred years. My father said, “The children of the Shia sect are made to pursue knowledge from the early age of six or seven. They are encouraged not to remain silent at the misdeeds of the executive, and fear nothing except God so that they can stand up at all costs against injustice.” He also told me, “Although we do not deny the tragedy of Karballa, some groups avoid reality and do not want to recall it.

Much of the present Muslim trends of laziness, passivity against injustice, lack of passion, and honour are due to this escapism.” His words became implanted in a fertile mind.

Although the Memons were from the Sunni sect and I knew no followers of the Shia sect, I staunchly upheld the memory of the martyrs on the tenth day of Muharram. I would sit at the mosque listening to Imams relating the heart wrenching story and cry bitterly.

Q. Have you ever been approached by political or other groups for support?

A. Once, I was approached by General Hamid Gul, Imran Khan and few others, mostly military and intelligence officials, who were conspiring to overthrow Benazir Bhutto`s second government and wanted me to get involved. I declined because I am a social worker and not a politician. I also did not want to tarnish the credibility of my organisation by getting embroiled in something that obviously seemed quite disturbing. Eventually, I was made to feel threatened enough to temporarily leave the country.